I find the timely call of President Joe Biden on Supreme Court reform very opportune. The court has gradually turned into a political battlefield that its nine justices are, at times, a strong influence over American life. The fact they are unelected and appointed for life has become an issue of accountability and trust. I believe that introducing term limits and an ethics code in this court would restore public confidence in court's decisions.
With the current system allowing justices to sit for decades, how the court is composed remains at the whim of the policies of a particular era. That has translated to a court with a generally conservative swing, making very disputable decisions, specifically involving the reversal of a woman's constitutional right to abortion. I feel that 18-year term limits, introduced by President Biden will go a long way toward depoliticizing the court and making it reflective of the population.
There is no transparency and accountability among the justices.
The most recent allegations of breaching judicial ethics, chiefly against Judge Clarence Thomas, further emphasize why a much more rigid code of conduct is called for. My personal view is that mandating these disclosures of gifts by justices, as well as avoiding overt political activities, would avoid scandals like these in the future. It is surprising that the Supreme Court is beyond this code of conduct applicable to other federal judges.
I am also of the view that there is a need for a proposed constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity. It is confusing to think of a president having immunity for "official acts" but not for "unofficial acts.".
The "No One is Above the Law" amendment would clarify explicitly that no person, whether a president at this moment or not, can stand outside the criminal prosecution process. It would also help further ensure accountability on the part of a president toward the law, just as does any other person.
What is somewhat expected is pushback from Republicans who say Democrats are trying to interfere with the court's independence. I think reforming the court isn't about party politics, it's about making sure this very institution is fair, open, clear, and responsible to people.
The Supreme Court should be politics-free. Decisions should not be conditioned by ideology or vested interests but by the law.
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